First lecture for Pictish Arts Society

The first lecture in the 2013/2014 season of the Pictish Arts Society will be given at Pictavia, near Brechin, by Philip Roberts on Friday, September 20.

The title of talk is The contributions of old maps to understanding Pictish history.

Philip will advance the hypothesis that while there may be a lack of historical data about the Picts and the land they occupied in the first millennium, early maps and other map data offer a considerable body of evidence showing where the Picts were to be found and why they came to be differentiated as a geographical group.

Philip Roberts was born in London in 1951 but has lived in Angus for nearly forty years. He is a BSc graduate of Dundee University in Mechanical Engineering, a mathematical discipline which possibly explains his interest in mapping. His long-standing interest in history and archaeology led him to do an extra-mural course in field Archaeology and based on this experience he would like to draw more attention to the archaeologically rich area of Angus.

He has a particular interest in first millennium history and the interface between Roman and Scottish History.

A spokesperson for the society commented: “This year our season of talks at Pictavia will have a slightly different timetable. As usual, they will be held on the third Friday of the month (7 for 7.30 p.m.) but they will now run from September to November before taking a three-month break (so that speakers and members don’t have to run the gauntlet of winter travel). We will then resume in March until May.

“In addition we have an extra talk in October, arranged in conjunction with the Perth Society of Natural Science. This will take place at the Perth Museum and Art Gallery at 7.30 p.mm on October 16and further details will be issued with the information of the regular Pictavia talk for October. It is hoped that this will be the first in an occasional series of collaborative events.”

Doors open at Pictavia at 7 for a 7.30 p.m. start. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available before and after the talks. The talks are free to members and £2.50 to non-members.